Kiambu Governor Launches School Feeding Program

Kiambu

Thursday, August 3,

KNA by Cedric Karungaru

Kiambu Governor, Kimani Wamatangi has launched an ambitious Early Childhood Education (ECDE) school feeding programme to keep children in school.

Speaking at the county headquarters during the official launch on Thursday, the Governor said in the programme children will get eggs and porridge on a daily basis.

The main aim of the event was to lay the foundation for learners to get adequate meals during the school day in order to retain the children in school, more specifically children in rural areas.

The feeding programme was initially supposed to start on April 1st 2023 although there was a delay the governor reassured all present that the public ECDE children would start getting their porridge and eggs daily.

“Starting now as soon as we finish this event the children present will receive their porridge and eggs to mark the beginning of the rollout of this program to the most vulnerable locations in this county,” he said.

He said that there needs to be more funding, in order for the ECDE classes to be implemented especially in rural areas where families do not have access, with private schools more adequate funded over public schools.

“We know that there are still not that many ECDE classes which puts many at a disadvantage. Parents may opt to take their children to private schools and incur a heavy cost because they know their children will have a better chance but we want to change that starting with no child lacking food.” he added

The Governor also thanked the ECDE teachers for their effort and urged them to continue to support the children and address their challenges as they go through their early education.

“ECDE teachers are an important part in our children's daily lives as they shape their future. They teach the learners crucial first information early such as the basics of reading and writing among other activities,” he said.

Deputy governor Rosemary Kirika who also attended the event, lauded the relevant parties who brought the program to life, she pointed out the importance of children's health and nutrition and the program as an investment in the children’s and countries future.

“Children are the future; with improved health and nutrition we are building tomorrow's workforce. We are also keeping children in school without having them out there doing nothing, especially at such a young and crucially important development stage.” she said.

Amos Wanjigi, a parent from Ndeiya thanked the Kiambu County Government in general for supporting the learners.

“The school feeding programme initiative will be of great benefit to our learners. Sometimes it's difficult sending your child out to school knowing they will not eat till evening, so we are happy that this initiative will help our young ones,” he said.

The ECDE centers will be divided into two sections (PP1&PP2) with the teachers’ office in the middle of the structure and will also include a children’s play section. Early Childhood Education in Kenya serves a critical purpose in preparing young children for Primary education.

Courtesy ; K. N. A